I have really learned a lot from Tom's many videos on chipping and putting. It ties in with the no-hinge method I have been using for a while but he includes so many more great concepts like chipping with the toe down, constant acceleration through the ball, weight forward with a narrow stance, etc.
I have been practicing on a fluffy area rug in my basement and hitting into an overstuffed stuffed recliner. It's so easy to pick up a wedge and practice for a few minutes throughout the day. While practicing a little while ago, I came up a simple 3-step checklist for my setup that has helped me and I hope will help others or at least get you to thinking about a pre-shot routine that would work for you. Once I am set I hit away using Tom's method.
My Setup Keys for Short Game (3 points of pressure)
Put pressure on your lead foot to ensure 60% or so of your weight is on lead leg
Apply pressure to your arms to move and hold the elbows close together
With minium pressure hold your head against an imaginary wall in front of you
Swing away.....
It has really helped me to make consistent contact and keep my eye on the ball, or a spot in front of the ball that I like to do sometimes. And everyone needs a pre-shot routine they know and love!!!!!
If this tip helps only one person, then I will be happy knowing that this tip helped only one person!
My chipping practice setup:
And here's my BirdieBall putting green:
@rcissell56 - Great stuff! Thanks for sharing your chipping keys and your indoor practice station setup.
One point of clarification. You indicated "toe-up" for the chipping technique, whereas in actuality it is toe-down. This is a pro "hack" for getting clean contact on difficult lies.